WITH their University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 81 campaign extended by negating a twice-to-win handicap in the Final Four to force a sudden-death match, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons are now more determined to take it all the way.
Defeating the higher-seeded Adamson Soaring Falcons, 73-71, at the start of the UAAP semifinals on Saturday, the Maroons were able to force a winner-take-all on Wednesday for a spot in the finals.
UP said the win was further a result of its concerted effort to take on what is presented to it and make the most of the opportunities it is provided.
“I kept telling the players that no matter what happens we have to go through this. We may win or lose but it’s a matter of learning from it all. But since either way we would learn, we might as well win this,” said Maroons coach Bo Perasol following their hard-earned win at the weekend.
UP had its way over Adamson for much of the contest last time around but found the going tough down the stretch as the Falcons made a ferocious run in trying to close things out.
The two teams exchanged key baskets inside the last minute leaving the outcome still to be determined.
The score was knotted at 71-all with 3.7 seconds remaining after Adamson’s Sean Manganti tied things with two pressure-packed free throws.
UP then set up a play off a timeout which had erstwhile struggling Bright Akhuetie receiving the ball under the basket and connecting for the eventual game-winner.
Adamson tried to salvage the win but Jonathan Espeleta’s desperation heave from midcourt failed to hit the mark as time expired.
Happy and excited to have forced a winner-take-all, Mr. Perasol nonetheless said it is not yet over and that they have to work hard to complete the upset of the Falcons.
“It was a difficult win but we have to build on this. Winning against Adamson is not easy and we have to make the necessary adjustments. Everybody must contribute,” the UP coach said. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
